Major Gift Officer College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Major Gift Officer

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Detroit, MI, United States | req3404 Posted on: 6/4/2026 Major Gift Officer
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Major Gift Officer
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan w students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Essential functions (job duties):

JOB PURPOSE

Support and participate in fundraising efforts, strategies and initiatives for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve fundraising and contact goals annually. Cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors to meet established fundraising goals within the allocated expense budget. This position reports to the Senior Director, Major Gifts

• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.) Essential Functions % Time Collaborate with Senior Director, Dean, Chairs and Faculty in identifying fundraising needs and priorities for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Implement major gift fundraising plans and strategies; establish realistic and achievable timelines; remain current with fundraising trends and serve as a resource on successful development activities, techniques and methods. 25% Manage a prospect portfolio to achieve fundraising and contact goals annually. Establish and implement prospect qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies with a particular focus on securing commitments of $25,000+. Engage division leadership and college-based colleagues as appropriate to support prospect strategies. 25% Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goal and assisting in meeting unit and division goals; allocating and prioritizing time and resources to achieve the greatest return on investment. Performance and productivity will be measured on the following core metrics as determined annually: Dollars raised for campaign gift commitments Number of major gift solicitations of $25,000+ Number of major gift closures at $25,000+ Number of face-to-face prospect and donor meetings (in-person and virtual visits) Number of meaningful, significant contacts each month 20% Collaborate with other Development units (e.g. University-wide Philanthropy, Donor Experience, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Data Services, and Prospect Development) as well as other university units to ensure operational efficiencies within the unit. 15% Draft and negotiate gift and pledge documentation ranging from simple to moderate complexity. Ensure timely routing of donor contributions to central development for processing. 10% Perform other related duties as assigned. 5%

WORK CONTEXT

This grid characterizes the position scope. Job Reports to: Senior Director/Chair

Leadership Accountability:

Implements operating plans

Supervisory Accountability:

None

Organizational Accountability:

None

Financial Accountability:

Monitors expenditures

Customer Accountability:

Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D Freedom to

Act:

Subject to general input from supervisor Unique duties:

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education Bachelor's degree Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in marketing, public relations, business administration or related field. Reasonable knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures. Experience Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience) Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of experience working as a fundraising professional in direct major donor solicitations in excess of $25,000 or equivalent experience as a fundraising professional at another institution operating in a similar capacity. Direct experience preparing proposals and conducting major gift solicitations required. Higher education development and prior volunteer management experience preferred. Professional understanding of, and interest in, Development and Alumni Affairs' best practices and general operations. Familiarity with, and interest in, trends and best practices related to major gift solicitation. Positive and collaborative professional philosophy, recognizing that this position is integral to the achievement of the goals and objectives of Development and Alumni Affairs. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS

Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.

COLLABORATION

Exhibits a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.

LEARNING AGILITY

Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION

Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.

TEAMWORK

Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferrably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms. Working Conditions Normal office environment. Ad to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division. This position requires a high level of commitment and enthusiasm. Due to travel requirements, evening meetings and special events, etc., candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division:

H86

• Development & Alumni Affairs Primary department: H8605
• Development Office Employment type: Regular Employee Job type: Full Time Job category: Staff/Administrative Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary Hourly rate: Salary minimum: $65,000 Salary hire maximum: $70,000 Working conditions: Hybrid work schedule Normal working conditions Job openings: Number of openings: 1 Reposted position: No Reposted reason: None (New Requisition) Prior posting/requisition number: Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work.

If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.